Effect of maternal immunity on the immune response to oral vaccination against rabies in young foxes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effect of maternal antibodies on immune response to oral vaccination against rabies in young foxes. ANIMALS: 250 cubs from 48 vixens. PROCEDURE: Sera were obtained from cubs of 36 vaccinated (maternally vaccinated [MV+]) and 12 nonvaccinated (MV-) vixens between 23 and 71 days of age and tested for neutralizing antibodies. Seventy-one MV+ cubs and 33 MV-cubs were vaccinated orally with modified-live virus vaccine SAD B19. Geometric mean titer (GMT) was determined in these cubs approximately 21, 39, and 57 days after vaccination. In a subsequent experiment, 10 vaccinated MV+ cubs, 6 vaccinated MV- cubs, and 6 control cubs were challenge inoculated with virulent rabies virus approximately 100 days after vaccination. RESULTS: Serum GMT of nonvaccinated MV cubs (0.23 U/ml) was significantly greater than that of non-vaccinated MV- cubs (0.15 U/ml). The GMT of vaccinated MV+ cubs 21, 39, and 57 days after vaccination were 2.85, 2.11, and 0.79 U/ml, respectively, and were significantly less than those of vaccinated MV- cubs (12.19, 6.76, and 4.02 U/ml, respectively). All challenge-inoculated cubs with GMT < 0.5 U/ml succumbed to rabies. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Partially impaired immune response in cubs < 8 weeks old from vaccinated vixens causes insufficient protection against rabies. Inhibition of the immune response persists longer than the period during which maternal antibodies are detectable. Thus, oral vaccination campaigns for young foxes in areas where vaccination has been performed need to be reconsidered.     

Oral rabies vaccination of foxes with one or two delayed distributions of SAG2 baits during the spring

During the spring of 1997, various protocols of rabies vaccine bait (SAG2) distribution for foxes were compared: in the first test zone, a first distribution was organised at the end of April, followed by a second distribution two weeks later; in the second test zone, there was a first distribution at the same period as for the previous zone, followed by a second distribution four weeks later, at the end of May. In two control zones, a classical single bait distribution was organised during the same periods as for the second distribution in the respective test zones. No statistical differences were observed for adult foxes or fox cubs sampled in the test and control zones neither for baits uptake nor for seroconversion rate. However, seroconversion rates observed in fox cubs population were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in areas vaccinated at the end of May (43 and 56%) compared with those vaccinated at mid-May (24 and 20%). The vaccinal efficacy of baits was also significantly (P < 0.05) increased for the fox cubs in the areas vaccinated at the end of May (46 and 57%) compared with those vaccinated at mid-May (24 and 25%). This increase in immunological response by fox cubs when vaccinating in late spring must be related to their development. In the early spring, fox cubs are generally too young to have access to baits or to be vaccinated when eating them. For most of these fox cubs, a second distribution will not constitute a booster. Therefore, in order to increase the efficient access of fox cubs to vaccine baits, Spring distribution of baits should preferably be organised during May or June rather than in April.     

Stifle osteochondritis dissecans in snow leopards (Uncia uncia)

Three snow leopard (Uncia uncia) cubs, female and male siblings and an unrelated female, had lameness attributed to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions noted at 6, 8, and 10 mo of age, respectively. All cubs were diagnosed with OCD via radiographs. The sibling cubs both had lesions of the right lateral femoral condyles, while the unrelated cub had bilateral lesions of the lateral femoral condyles. Subsequently, OCD was confirmed in all three cases during surgical correction of the lateral femoral condyle lesions via lateral stifle arthrotomies, flap removal, and debridement of the defect sites. Histopathology also supported the diagnosis of OCD. Postoperatively, the sibling cubs developed seromas at the incision sites and mild lameness, which resolved within a month. To date, two cubs have been orthopedically sound, while one of the sibling cubs has developed mild osteoarthritis. OCD has rarely been reported in domestic felids, and to the authors' knowledge these are the first reported cases of OCD in nondomestic felids.     

Field anesthesia of wild arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs in the Swedish lapland using medetomidine-ketamine-atipamezole.

A safe and effective anesthetic regime for use in arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs was developed. During July 1996, six free-ranging 6-8-wk-old cubs were captured near their den in Vindelfjallen Nature Reserve, Sweden. Medetomidine and ketamine HCI, followed by atipamezole, were selected for the anesthetic trial because of the well-documented safety and efficacy of this drug combination in a broad range of species. The dosage regimen used was 50 microg/kg medetomidine combined with 2.5 mg/kg ketamine followed by reversal with 250 microg/kg atipamezole. Induction was rapid, with a mean induction time of 1 min and 32 sec (range: 58-150 sec). The cubs were anesthetized for a mean time of 18 +/- 5 min (range: 13-25 min). Serially recorded heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and pulse oximetry were stable throughout the anesthetic period for all cubs. Anesthetic depth was suitable for safe handling and minor clinical procedures, including venipuncture. Following atipamezole, all cubs were standing within 12 +/- 7 min (range: 5-24 min) and fully recovered at 27 +/- 5 min (range: 19-36 min). This information will be useful for future captive breeding and management programs involving the endangered arctic fox.     

圈养东北虎育幼期行为观察

2017年3月19日昆明动物园1头雌性东北虎产下3只幼仔。本项研究通过监控视频,使用瞬时扫描法,记录了雌虎及幼虎在此日后30 d内的行为并进行了整理和分析;观察结果显示,雌虎在哺乳初期的行为以休息和哺乳为主,分别占到了行为总频率的55.13%和19.21%,而幼虎在哺乳初期的行为以休息和吮乳为主,分别占到了71.25%和12.98%。不同时期雌虎出现的休息、哺乳、亲幼虎行为差异显著(P<0.05),移动、进食和其他行为的差异极显著(P<0.01);幼虎表现出的休息、吮乳、拱拔、张望、玩耍和其他行为在6个时期都呈现极显著差异(P<0.01),亲雌虎行为差异显著(P<0.05),而移动行为在不同时期的差异不显著;幼虎在哺乳初期还有新的行为发育出现。     

Growth rates and energy intake of hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa

Growth rate is an important factor in neonatal survival. The aim of this study was to determine growth rates in hand-reared cheetah cubs in South Africa fed a prescribed energy intake, calculated for growth in the domestic cat. Growth was then compared with previously published data from hand-reared cubs in North America and the relationship between growth and energy intake explored. Daily body weight (BW) gain, feed and energy intake data was collected from 18 hand-reared cheetah cubs up to 120 days of age. The average pre-weaning growth rate was 32 g/day, which is lower than reported in mother-reared cubs and hand-reared cubs in North American facilities. However, post-weaning growth increased to an average of 55 g/day. Growth was approximately linear prior to weaning, but over the entire age range it exhibited a sigmoidal shape with an asymptotic plateau averaging 57 kg. Energy intake associated with pre-weaning growth was 481 kJ ME/kg BW(0.75). Regression analysis described the relationship between metabolic BW, metabolisable energy (ME) intake, and hence daily weight gain. This relationship may be useful in predicting energy intake required to achieve growth rates in hand-reared cheetah cubs similar to those observed for their mother-reared counterparts.     

The persistence of rabies virus antibodies in the sera of fox cubs

The persistence of maternal antibodies transfer from rabies-immune vixens to their fox cubs was studied. Eight vixens (Vulpes vulpes) were vaccinated 1 month before pregnancy with Lysvulpen vaccine for oral vaccination of foxes. Twenty-one were foxes born at the first half of April. The geometrical mean titre of rabies neutralizing antibodies of fox cubs sampled in May was 1.31 IU/ml and has dropped successively to 0.54 IU/ml in June samples and to 0.18 IU/ml in July samples. It has been proven that the duration of rabies maternal antibodies in fox cubs was limited to 2 months after birth.     

Health evaluation of arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs in Sweden.

Hematologic, serum biochemistry, and serum cortisol reference ranges were established and tonsil/rectal bacterial and fecal parasite examinations were performed on 21 wild arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs during July 1996. Several of the hematologic and serum biochemistry values fell within normal ranges for other wild canids or domestic dogs of the same age class. Serum alanine transaminase and creatine phosphokinase values were significantly higher in the youngest cubs. Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli were isolated from both tonsilar and rectal swabs of several cubs in all dens. The most common gastrointestinal parasite ova were Toxascaris leonina (59%), Isospora spp. (52%), Uncinaria stenocephala (33%), and Capillaria spp. (26%). Prevalence of T. leonina differed significantly between dens and between age groups. Hematologic and serum biochemistry values and degree of parasitism may be indicators of health, stress, and nutritional status of arctic foxes.     

Maternal immunity against rabies in raccoon dogs.

The objective of the study was to examine possible maternally transferred antibodies (maAb) against rabies in raccoon dogs. Ten cubs born from a rabies-immune animal were bled on days 31, 36, 43, 50, 57 and 64 post partum. The geometric mean titres of the cubs were 1.19, 1.18, 0.45, 0.25, 0.25 and 0.16 IU/ml, respectively. Up to 36 days post partum maAb were detected in all cubs at levels > or = 0.5 IU/ml and at day 56 post partum all animals had maAb levels < 0.5 IU/ml. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that vaccine baits should not be distributed before July if the vaccination campaign is aimed at immunizing young raccoon dogs as well.     

Susceptibility of Foxes to Clostridium Botulinum Type C and E Toxins

Investigations were performed to determine the exact susceptibility of foxes to Clostridium botulinum type C and E toxins.Doses of 5 mill. MLD type C toxin mixed with the feed did not cause symptoms of botulism in either cubs or adult foxes. Subcutaneous injections of 300,100(0 MLD or more were fatal to cubs, while 750,000 MLD caused the death of all adults.Regarding type E toxin, doses of 1 mill. MLD affected neither cubs nor adults on oral administration. Subcutaneously injected doses of 5,000 MLD or more killed all cubs, while 10,000 MLD was required to produce lethal effect on adult animals.The conclusion made is that foxes are highly resistant to both type C and E Clostridium botulinum toxins following oral application. It is further revealed that foxes are 60–70 times more susceptible to type E than to type C toxin when injected subcutaneously.     

幼龄大熊猫轮状病毒感染性腹泻的防治

对幼龄大熊猫轮状病毒感染性腹泻的发病特点、临床表现、流行病学资料进行了简要介绍,通过多年对该病的临床治疗与跟踪观察,对幼龄大熊猫轮状病毒感染性腹泻的临床治疗方法与预防措施进行了详细阐述。     

Use of recombinant vaccinia-rabies virus for oral vaccination of fox cubs (Vulpes vulpes, L) against rabies

Thirteen fox cubs were orally administered 10(7.2) plaque-forming units of live vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant virus. On Day 28 post-vaccination, all but 1 cub had produced rabies virus antibodies. Twelve animals were intramuscularly inoculated with 10(3.2) mouse intracerebral LD50 of rabies virus suspension on Days 33 (5 foxes), 180 (4 foxes) or 360 (3 foxes) after vaccination. Eleven of them resisted rabies challenge. Unvaccinated foxes, either put in contact with 1 vaccinated animal or used as controls, died after challenge applied on Day 33. The absence of horizontal transmission of this vaccine strain and its innocuity to cubs were also demonstrated.     

幼龄华南虎的人工饲养

华南虎幼崽为晚成哺乳动物,刚出生时双眼未睁、不能独立取食和排便,需要人工辅助其学习和完成。初生仔兽的喂饲以少量多食为佳,前3 d以7～8次较为适宜,喂奶量由少增多。饲喂幼虎时人工奶的初始浓度以1：8较适合。幼兽需要用纱布蘸水轻擦仔兽的肛周,以刺激其排便。在8周龄左右为幼虎添加肉浆,1个月后将肉浆替换为肉条。肉类食物的添加时间为观察到幼虎牙齿长出,此时喂奶量可以随着肉量的增加而逐渐减少,直至完全断奶。饲料转换过程中,动物对人工奶的取食量逐渐下降,并且在1周内会出现身体不适,体重增长减缓,一般持续5～7 d即恢复正常。动物对肉条适应以后,而对人工奶的需求量急剧下降,此时可以增加骨头以锻炼幼兽的啃食能力,此时幼兽的体重迅速上升。     

人工饲养黑熊初生幼体体重增长研究

对9只人工饲养的黑熊幼体体重变化数据进行分析,揭示了人工饲养条件下黑熊幼体体重变化的基本规律。通过对比成活黑熊和死亡黑熊的体重变化,提出了人工饲养黑熊幼体的建议。     

幼龄猩猩的人工哺育

秦皇岛野生动物园 2 0 0 1年有 3只猩猩出生 ,因其母猩猩育幼失败而在 2 4h后取出进行人工育幼。饲料配方主要以“雀巢力多精”初生婴儿配方奶粉为主 ,根据日龄和食量逐渐增加饲喂量。在 2 0日龄后补充一些果汁、维生素、钙片、熟蛋黄等 ,6个月时开始添加少许水果和婴儿米粉。出生后两周龄注射卡介苗 ,分别于 2 0日龄、5 0日龄、2 0 0日龄注射乙肝疫苗。在 11月份天气变冷时分别注射了“流感灭活疫苗” ,4 0d后再注射 1次。育幼室温度控制在 2 5℃以上 ,相对湿度控制在 6 5 % ,保持通风 ,每天对地面消毒。在 1月龄后 ,天气晴好时抱到户外活动。根据对体重、牙齿发育、疾病情况等的监测及上述人工育幼方法使 3只幼猩猩发育正常 ,健康状况良好。     

大熊猫义母育幼培驯一例

亲代抚育对于圈养大熊猫幼仔个体行为的发育具有重要意义。而现实中存在一些无母幼崽,为实现对无母幼崽的亲代抚育,对参试母兽分别采用由幼仔模型、实体、尿液和乳汁这些信号组成的多种刺激方式,进行代亲抚育培驯。培驯的结果表明：采用无母幼仔模型、尿液、乳汁等多种信号的刺激,可使受驯母兽熟悉并接受该幼仔,达到义母育幼目的。     

Serosurvey of selected zoonotic agents in polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Between 1982 and 1999 blood samples were collected from 500 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) captured in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella species, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella species infections. The bears were classified into four age groups, cubs, yearlings, subadults and adults. Brucella and Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by agglutination (a buffered acidified card antigen and rapid automated presumptive test for brucellosis and a commercial latex agglutination test for toxoplasmosis); an ELISA was used to detect Trichinella antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella species was 5 per cent, and subadults and yearlings were 2-62 times (95 per cent confidence interval 1.02 to 6.82) more likely to be seropositive for Brucella species than adults and their cubs. The antibody prevalence for Toxoplasma gondii was 6 per cent, and for Trichinella species 55.6 per cent. The prevalence of antibodies to Trichinella species increased with age (P<0.001).     

Reproduction of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) after feeding or food deprivation in winter

The wild raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Canidae, Carnivora) goes through autumn fattening followed by winter sleep. Farmed raccoon dogs also exhibit autumn fattening but not winter sleep, as a result of daily feeding and lack of nests. We studied the effects of food deprivation and winter sleep or active winter feeding on the physiology and reproduction of farm-born raccoon dogs. Eighty-six animals were put on a 2-month fast in November-December. The fast caused no deleterious effects on the health of the raccoon dogs. In the spring the food-deprived animals had slightly more cubs per mated female than the fed animals. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of cubs obtained and the mean body mass of the females at the beginning of the mating season. The highest mean number of cubs was obtained by the females that weighed 5-7 kg. The results indicate that the raccoon dog is finely adapted to a long period of food deprivation in the winter. Furthermore, winter sleep and food deprivation could be introduced to farm conditions by providing the raccoon dogs with nestboxes and withholding food for a period of 6-8 weeks in mid-winter.     

初配东北虎的繁殖

通过对一对初配东北虎繁殖全过程的总结，即对母虎发情行为、公母虎合笼交配、妊娠判定、产前准备、产后护理、仔虎的生长发育情况的详细观察与分析，为初配东北虎的繁殖提供了有益的借鉴。     

Rabies oral vaccination of foxes during the summer with the VRG vaccine bait

The vaccination of foxes by distributing vaccine baits in the environment was initiated in France in 1986. Two campaigns per year were carried out: one in the spring and one in the autumn. After the spring campaigns, only 22-52% of fox cubs consumed vaccine baits compared to 75% of the adults and 70-80% of the adults or fox cubs after autumn campaigns. In order to reduce the period of time during which fox cubs do not have access to baits and are not immunised, a vaccination campaign was organised during the summer of 1992 over a contaminated area of 25,748 km2 where vaccines had never previously been given. Vaccine bait stability was assessed during the same summer in the field and their appetence tested on captive foxes. The efficacy of the campaign was evaluated by the relative decrease in rabies incidence and the rate of bait uptake by foxes compared to those from neighbouring areas vaccinated for the first time with the same vaccine during the spring or autumn. Summer vaccination significantly increased (P < 0.01) bait uptake by fox cubs (71%) compared with spring vaccination (39%), but no significant difference was observed for adult foxes. Moreover, the decrease in rabies incidence, measured during the 6-month period following the campaigns was less pronounced after summer vaccination (49% decrease) than when the first vaccination was carried out during the spring or autumn (79 and 72% decrease, respectively). Three campaigns led to an apparent elimination of rabies when the first campaign was performed in the spring or autumn, but only to a 76% decrease in rabies incidence density index when the first campaign was performed during the summer. The high thermostability of the Raboral VRG bait permits its use during the summer for an emergency campaign. For routine vaccination plans, however, the classical calendar of spring and autumn vaccination campaigns should continue to be preferred.